COMPARISON OF SURFACE FEATURES OF TEKTITES AND GEOTHERMALLY ETCHED OBSIDIAN,
Abstract
This report describes the striking similarities between various types of tektite surfaces and geothermally etched obsidian (here named coso ites) from Coso Hot Springs, Inyo County, Calif. The obsidian has been etched by the action of hot-spring waters. The etching found on the obsidian consists of random patterns of pitting and grooving and does not follow flow lines or cracks that are present in some of the samples. Generally, only one or two sides of a specimen have been exposed to the etching action, the remaining sides having been protected by the parent mass or by a coating of siliceous sinter. Most of the recognized surface features of tek tites are found on these obsidian specimens. It is therefore concluded that much of the surface texture of some tektites may be considered secondary features developed largely by chemical etching and by geologic processes of weathering, abrasion by wind sculpture, and transport by water. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0418198
Entities
People
- Lee E. Humiston
- Richard T. Zbur
Organizations
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake